Roots of Ministry Leadership

Roots of Ministry Leadership is a 6-month cohort-based leadership retreat series aligning associates with Ascension’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Register below:

New leaders are expected to register for Roots after completing MDS (Manager Development Series) and complete the program within the first two years of their new role.

Leaders who have not participated are encouraged to register at their earliest convenience.

Below are our Roots of Ministry Leadership programs categorized by location. If you have difficulty seeing this embedded form please ensure that you are logged in under your Ascension Google account.

NOTE: All retreats are comprised of 3 remote and 3 in-person retreats, with the exception of our System Office offerings which are fully remote and Texas, Florida, and Kansas which are fully in-person.

For further questions please contact Daniel Hope [email protected], national lead for the Roots of Ministry Leadership program.



Roots of Ministry Leadership is an opportunity for leaders to build community and explore the principles of Ascension’s Catholic Identity. Roots cultivates the space to realize how each leader can authentically express the fullness of who they are in their leadership roles through shared curriculum, experiences, and practices.

"This retreat was actually useful for leadership. I've been to multiple leadership retreats and meetings and I feel as though there are real and meaningful things that were discussed that I can use in my job." - Michigan Associate

How is this program delivered?

Roots of Ministry Leadership is delivered in six monthly retreats

  • Retreat 1 (In-Person): Human Dignity and the Common Good (Scheduled to allow for same day travel)

  • Retreat 2 (Virtual): Attend to the Whole Person

  • Retreat 3 (Virtual): Act on Behalf of Justice

  • Retreat 4 (In-Person): Care for Poor and Vulnerable Persons (Scheduled to allow for same day travel)

  • Retreat 5 (Virtual): Ascension Serves as a Ministry of the Church

  • Retreat 6 (In-Person): Integration (Scheduled to allow for same day travel)

Target Audience | Selection

  • Is this program right for me?

    Roots of Ministry Leadership was designed for newly hired or promoted Core Leaders in Ascension. However, any interested leader is invited to register after speaking to their direct supervisor.

  • How do I join?

    See the offerings listed above to register or contact the facilitator. You may also contact your local formation leader. If you do not know who your formation leader is, contact Daniel Hope at [email protected] who will connect you with the appropriate leader.

  • How often is this program offered?

    Some markets offer Roots once annually, others twice or more. To learn how often the opportunity is available to you, please click the Contact Us link below and we'll share your inquiry with your local Ministry Formation team.

Goal | Objectives | Outcome

  • Program Goal

    Core leaders equipped with an understanding of the principles of Ascension’s Catholic identity and the ability to express those principles through their leadership.

  • Program Objectives

    Through curriculum, experiences and practice, participants will engage in learning and leading through the principles of Catholic Identity in alignment with the Ascension Leadership Competencies and Ministry Formation Outcomes by Role - including a focus on justice.

  • Member Outcomes

    Participants Will:

    1. Intentionally integrate the principles of Catholic Identity into the work of leading and managing, through decision making, planning, strategy, check-ins, and work relationships.
    2. Continue to build/enhance Ascension Leadership Competencies.
    3. Develop their own continuing Formation plans.